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HR 1819

To authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to E. Royce Williams for acts of valor during the Korean War.

119th Congress Introduced by Darrell Issa

HR 1819 seeks to award E. Royce Williams the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions in a 1952 aerial battle, recognizing his extraordinary valor during the Korean War.

Introduced in House
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 1819

Summary of HR 1819: Medal of Honor for E. Royce Williams

Purpose and Intent

HR 1819 is a legislative bill introduced in the House of Representatives on March 3, 2025, aimed at authorizing the President of the United States to award the Medal of Honor to E. Royce Williams. This recognition is for Williams' extraordinary acts of valor during the Korean War, specifically during an aerial engagement on November 18, 1952.

Key Provisions

The bill outlines several significant points regarding E. Royce Williams' actions:

  1. Historical Context:

    • On November 18, 1952, then-Lieutenant Williams participated in an airstrike on the Hoeryong industrial complex. During this mission, he and his fellow pilots encountered seven Soviet MiG–15s.

  2. Engagement Details:

    • Williams, alongside his wingman, engaged in combat against the MiGs in adverse weather conditions. After his flight leader had to return due to fuel issues, Williams continued the fight alone.
    • He successfully shot down four, and possibly five, MiG–15s, setting a record for the most enemy aircraft downed in a single sortie by an American aviator during the Korean War.

  3. Heroic Actions:

    • Despite sustaining damage to his aircraft from enemy fire and facing friendly fire upon his return, Williams managed to land safely on the U.S.S. Oriskany, demonstrating exceptional skill and bravery.

  4. Recognition of Valor:

    • Initially awarded the Silver Star, Williams' commendation was later upgraded to the Navy Cross in January 2023, recognizing the extraordinary nature of his actions that were not fully understood at the time due to classified information.

  5. Call for Medal of Honor:

    • The bill asserts that Williams deserves the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroism, as he engaged in a 35-minute aerial battle without seeking safety, despite being heavily outnumbered.

Impact

If passed, HR 1819 would formally recognize E. Royce Williams with the Medal of Honor, elevating his legacy and acknowledging his contributions to U.S. military history. This recognition could also serve to honor the sacrifices of other veterans who have demonstrated similar courage and valor in combat.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: March 3, 2025
  • Current Status: The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Armed Services for further consideration.

This bill not only seeks to honor an individual veteran but also highlights the importance of recognizing acts of bravery that may have gone unacknowledged due to the circumstances of their time.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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